Quirky Things to Do in Paris

Paris, the capital of France, is often referred to as the City of Light. It’s a bustling metropolis filled with culture, history and some of the world’s most iconic sights. With an estimated population of over 2 million people, Paris is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, welcoming over 30 million visitors each year.

The city has long been a cultural center, drawing inspiration from the world’s greatest minds. From the iconic Eiffel Tower, to the Louvre Museum, to the grandeur of Notre Dame, Paris is full of places to explore and discover. But for those looking for something a bit more off-the-beaten-path, there are plenty of quirky things to do in Paris as well. From visiting secret gardens to taking a vintage car tour, here are some of the most unique activities to experience while in Paris.

Visit a Secret Garden

One of the most unique activities to do in Paris is to explore its hidden gardens. There are dozens of secret parks and gardens tucked away throughout the city, many of which are rarely visited by tourists. Some of the most renowned secret gardens in Paris include Parc Monceau, Jardin des Tuileries, and Jardin du Palais-Royal. Each garden offers a unique experience, featuring lush foliage and vibrant flowers.

Visitors will also find plenty of charming cafes and boutiques tucked away in these secret gardens. Whether you’re looking for a spot to relax or a place to explore, these hidden gems are sure to provide an unforgettable experience.

Explore the Catacombs

The Catacombs of Paris are a network of ancient underground tunnels filled with skeletal remains. This eerie attraction dates back to the 18th century and is one of the most unique things to do in Paris. The catacombs stretch for over 300 miles and contain the remains of more than 6 million people.

The Catacombs offer an intriguing look into the history of Paris and visitors can explore the dark labyrinths while learning about its fascinating past. The Catacombs are open daily from 10am to 5pm and tickets can be purchased online in advance.

Go on a Vintage Car Tour

For those looking to take in the sights of Paris in style, a vintage car tour is the perfect way to do it. Visitors can book a guided tour in a classic car, allowing them to discover all the hidden gems this beautiful city has to offer.

The tour typically lasts two hours and takes visitors on a journey through some of Paris’ most iconic sights. From the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre Museum, visitors will get an inside look at all of Paris’ most popular attractions.

Visit Montmartre

Montmartre is one of the most charming neighborhoods in Paris and it’s packed with things to see and do. The area is home to some of the city’s oldest buildings, including Sacre Coeur Basilica, Moulin Rouge and Place du Tertre. Visitors can explore these historic attractions or take a leisurely stroll through Montmartre’s cobblestone streets.

The neighborhood is also home to some wonderful restaurants and cafes, where visitors can enjoy some delicious French cuisine while taking in views of the city skyline.

Take a Seine River Cruise

A Seine River Cruise is one of the best ways to explore Paris and its surrounding attractions. The cruise takes visitors on an hour-long journey down the Seine and offers breathtaking views of iconic landmarks, such as Notre Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower.

The cruises typically include a guided audio tour which provides interesting facts about each stop along the way. Visitors can also enjoy traditional French cuisine from onboard restaurants and take advantage of complimentary drinks from onboard bars. Tickets for Seine River Cruises can be purchased online in advance or at any Paris tourist office.

Visit a Chocolate Factory

Paris is known for its delicious food and desserts, and one of the best ways to sample some of the city’s delicious treats is by visiting a chocolate factory. The most popular chocolate factory in Paris is Chocolaterie de Montmartre, located in the heart of Montmartre. Visitors can take a tour of the factory, learn about the history of chocolate-making and sample some delicious chocolates along the way.

The Chocolaterie de Montmartre also offers classes for those looking to learn how to make chocolates themselves. The classes last two hours and provide visitors with a unique insight into the art of chocolate-making.

Popular Tours in Paris

Montmartre Walking Tour

Discover all that Montmartre has to offer with a guided walking tour through this charming neighborhood. Visitors will explore some of the area’s iconic attractions, such as Sacre Coeur Basilica and Moulin Rouge, while learning about its fascinating history along the way. This tour also includes visits to local cafes and shops, providing visitors with an inside look at Montmartre’s vibrant culture. Book a Montmartre Walking Tour here.

Vintage Car Tour

Explore Paris in style with a vintage car tour through some of the city’s most iconic sights. Visitors will get an up close look at attractions such as Notre Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower while learning about Paris’ rich history along the way. The tour includes stops at local restaurants and shops giving visitors a true taste of Parisian life. Book a Vintage Car Tour here.

Seine River Cruise

Take in all that Paris has to offer with an hour-long cruise down the Seine River. Visitors will experience breathtaking views of iconic landmarks such as Notre Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower while learning about their history through an onboard audio tour. The cruise also includes stops at local restaurants and bars where visitors can enjoy traditional French cuisine and complimentary drinks. Book a Seine River Cruise here.

Paris has something for everyone, no matter what your interests may be. From exploring secret gardens to taking vintage car tours, there are plenty of unique activities for visitors to experience while in this iconic city. Whether you’re looking for an adventure or a relaxing time away from it all, there’s something for everyone in Paris.